Method of and apparatus for forming tubular articles



Sept. 18, l945. E. L. PERRY METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FIOR FORMING TUBULAR ARTICLES 4 Filed Aug. 12.' 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet l Sept. 18, 1945. E. L. PERRY METHOD 01'" AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING 'IUBU.|R- ARTICLES 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Sept. 18, 1945. E. L. PERRY 2,385,230

METHOD QF AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING TUBULAH ARTICLES .Filed Aug. l2, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 la f- Sept 1 8, 1945- E. l.. FERRY 2,385,230

METHOD 0F AND APPARATUS FOR FORM'ING TUBULAR ARTICLES Filed Aug. l2, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet. 4

Sept.l 18', 1945.

E. L. PERRY METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING TUBULAR ARTICLES 8 sheets-snai 5 Filed Aug. 12, 1942 \.|l|||| Illlllllll.,

roradd odddd o odddmo Sept. 18, 1945. E. PERRY 2,385,230

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING TUBULAR ARTICLES Filed Aug. 12, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Sept. 18, 1945. E l.. PERRY 2,385,230

METHoDxoF AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING TUBULAR ARTICLES Filed Aug. 12, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Sept. 18, -1945. r; L. PERRY 2,385,230-

METHOD 0F AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING TUBULAR ARTICLES Filed Aug. l2, 1942 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Movie/enf of Patented Sept. 18, 1945 METHOD F AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING l TUBULAB ARTICLES Eugene L. Perry, Bloomfield, N. J., asslgnor to Universal Winding Company, Boston, Mass., a corporation of Massachusetts Application August 12, 1942, Serial No. 454,560

25 Claims.

This invention relates to amethod of and apparatus for forming tubular articles, such as hollow cores ofcylindrical or conical shape for use in the textile art, from material of a fibrous nature. While the invention is hereinafter described ,t is wound, the present method and apparatus are of broader utility for producing tubular articles of other types. Paper tubes and cones are'employed in the textile industry as cores for support` ing woundmasses of yarn and threadV in cylindrical and conical packages from which the yarn or thread may be unwound to supply it to knitting and other machines or in transfer processes, such as creeling and beaming. The conical shape of the core or tube for supporting the textile rnaterial is of advantage in facilitating the delivery of the yarn in unwinding it therefrom and inthe following description such tapered or conical cores are referred to as cones without intent thereby to limit the scope of the invention.

The practice now commonly used for producing textile cores or cones consists in Winding paper in layers on a mandrel or arbor and uniting the successive layers with a suitable adhesive.

This procedure requires that -the brous pulp stock first must be made into paper strips; thereafter cut into lengths having curved edges, resulting in considerable waste; and finally winding the strips on the tapered mandrel while uniting them with an adhesive, Cores or tubes of this type, either cylindrical or conical in shape,

usually have an undesirable lapped joint on both their inner and outer surfaces; the core cannot be properly balanced about its longitudinal axis except by grinding orv builng it in subsequent operations; and the tubular core usually does not have a true surface of revolution so that it will run out when placed on the spindle or mandrel of the winding or like machine to cause irregularities in the wound package.

One object of the present invention is to provide a method of and an apparatus for automatically and continuously forming textile tubes or cones and similar articles directly from fibrous pulp stock.

Another object is to provide a method of and iparatus for making textile cores or cones hava true surface of revolution with both their ier and outer surfaces concentric to the axi n quiring particular skill or expertness on the part of the operator. l

Another object is to provide a method of and apparatus for continuously producing tubular articles in sequence from a supply of paper pulp While extracting the liquid from the stock and compressing and solidifying the layers in the walls of the articles.

Another object is to provide an apparatus of the type indicated having a traveling foraminous carrier on which a relatively thin web 0f pulp is deposited and a plurality of forming rolls to which the pulp is transferred from the carrier to 'wind it in overlying layers on the forming rolls.

Another object is to provide an apparatus of the type indicated with a rotary drum having a foraminous barrel on which the web of pulp is deposited with the barrel of the drum of conical form and of the same inclination as that of the [conical forming roll on whichthe pulp is deposited. I

Another object is to provide an apparatus of the type indicated having means for rotating the forming rolls prior to their contact with the periphery of the drum to insure that the linear velocity at the periphery of the roll isv equal to that of the periphery of the drum as the pulp is transferred to the rolls.

Another object is to provide an apparatus of the type indicated having adjustable means for regulating'the thickness of the pulp on the transferring drum to apply a variable thickness to the walls of the formed article at its opposite ends.

Another object is to provide an apparatus of the type indicated with presser-rolls for compressing and felting the layers of pulp Wound on the forming rolls while the liquid is extracted therefrom.

Another object is to provide an apparatus of the type indicated having means for applying lsuction within the forming rolls during the application of the pulp thereto and while it is being compressed and compacted thereon, with means for releasing the suction during continued action by the presser-rolls whereby to stretch and loosen the formed articles to facilitate their removal.

Another object is to provide a method of and apparatus for forming tubular articles from fibrous material wherein a plurality of forming rolls or mandrels are treated successively to apply the pulp thereto, extract the liquid therefrom, compress the layers of pulp thereon, and nally stretch .ie articles and position them for dofiing or removal from the forming rolls.

Another object is te provide an apparatus of the type indicated having means for successively moving the forming rolls into engagement with the periphery of the drum carrying the pulp stock to cause layers of the pulp to be applied to the vthe present invention;

Fig. 2 is a rear elevational view showing the slides for moving the forming rolls to various operating positions and the`cam-means for operating the slides in timed sequence;

Fig. 3 is an end elevational view showing the driving means for rotating the drum and presserrolls;

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view on line l-l of Fig. 1 showing a forming roll imposition to receive and wind on the web of wet pulp from the periphery of the drinn and illustrating the conical peripheries of the drum and forming roll as having the same angle of inclination;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view don line 5 5 Fig. is a. diagrammatic view showing the position of the plurality of forming rolls relative to the feeding drum and the presser-rolls at one I stage in the operation of the apparatus corresponding to their position indicated between lines X and Y of the chart in Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a View similar to Fig. 15 showing a later operative position of the forming rolls with respect to the feeding drum and the presser-rolls corresponding to their position indicated between the lines Y 'and z of the chart;

Fig. 17 #is a view similar to Fig. 15 showing a still later operative position of the forming rolls with respect to the feeding drum and the presserrolls corresponding to their position indicated between the lines Z and X of the chart;

Fig. 18 is an enlarged sectional view on line i-i of Fig. 4 showing the pressure manifold and sleeve-valve for controlling the application of the air blast through the foraminous barrel of the feeding drum to start the Winding of the web of pulp onto the yperiphery ofv the forming rolls; and

Fig. 19 is a diagrammatic View of the pressure and suction systems.r y

The present invention relates in general to a method of and machine for automatically and v continuously forming conical cop-tubes and other of Fig. i showing a web of wet pulp as being deposited on the periphery of the drum and fed to a forming rol1 and illustrating the relative positions of the plurality of forming rolls; Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view on line 6- of Fig. 5 showing the angular bale-plate for causing a web o pulp to be deposited on the periphery of the` drum of gradually increasing thickness across the width thereof;

Fig. 7 is a further enlarged transverse sectional view on Iline 'i-l of Fig. 5 showing a layer of pulp as being transferred from the barrel of the'drum and wound onto the periphery of the forming roll as suction is applied to the interior of the latter; y

Fig. 8 is a sectional plan view on line i-d o Fig. 2 showing the mounting for the slides which carry the forming rolls;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view on line @-9 of Fig. 2

showing the suction manifold and ring-valves for controlling the suction applied to the individual forming rolls;

Fig. 10 is a transverse sectional view on line i-id of Fig. 9 showing one of the ring-valves in position to aline its port with a cooperating port in the manifold;

Fig. 1.1 is a part-sectional view similar to Fig. 7.

showing a forming roll as moved to its uppermost position to subject the pulp mass on its periphery tothe action of the presser-roll;

Fig. 121s a view similar to Fig. l1 showing the forming roll as moved to its intermediate stripping position;

Fig. i3 is a view similar to rig. 11 showing eineV forming roll as moved toward the periphery of the drum and illustrating-the driving engagement between the forming roll and the drum prior to the engagement of their peripheries;

Fig. 1d is a chart graphically illustrating the vpaths oi' movement of the forming rolls in relation to each other and indicating the periods of applivcation of suction and air blast thereto during the operation of the apparatus;

.other traveling conveyer.

tubular articles directly from fibrous pulp stock. The wet pulp stock is circula d through a tank or box having an open side a jacent the foraminous barrel of a continuously rotating drum or A suction box within the interior of the barrel oi the drum and opposite the open side of the tank operates to draw the liquid stock through the opening to cause a layer or web of pulp to be deposited on the outer periphery of the drum as the latter is rotated. A baiiie-plate or blade ispositioned between the periphery of the drum and the liquid in the tank to control the amount of pulp deposited on the drum and the bafiie is preferably adjustable in angular relation to adapt it to distribute the pulp in a gradually increasing thickness of web laterally o the periphery of the drum. As the drum is continuously rotated the web of wet pulp is fed from the tank onto its periphery and during such feeding a second suction box within the interior oi? the foran'iinous barrel of the drum acts to withdraw surplus liquid'from the pulp.

A plurality of forming rolls or mandrels, three being shown herein by way of example, of a shapey corresponding to that of the articles to be formed, are mounted for vertical movement above the drum. Although the peripheries of the forming rolls and drum may take any desired shape, as herein illustrated they are of conical form to adapt them to produce conical cop-tubes. The conical peripheries of the drum and forming rolls have the same angle of inclination so that the web of pulp deposited on the drum is adapted to be wound in overlying uniform layers on the forming rolls. The forming rolls are supported on slides mounted for vertical movement to carry the rolls toward and away from the periphery of the drum and each forming roll is moved individually into engagement with the periphery of the drum andr rotated by the latter to receive the web the conical periphery of the forming roll. The

vertically in timed sequence by suitable operating l means so that at any particular stage in the operation of the apparatus one of the forming rolls will be in engagement with the drumI another forming roll will be in engagement with its presser-roll and the third forming roll will be in position for stripping or dofling the formed article therefrom.

The forming rolls'are driven in the rst instance by friction means on the drum and later by similar means on the presser-rolls prior to the engagement of their peripheries therewith to prevent scufng or rupture of the delicate web of pulp. At the instance when the periphery of the forming roll contacts the periphery of the drum an air-blast is directed through the foraminous tion within the forming roll is released to cause the pulp mass to be stretched and loosened under the pressure whereof to facilitate removal ofthe l formed article from the roll. The valves for controlling the air-blast through the foraminous bar'- rel of the drum and the suction within the forming rolls are operated by the driving means for the drum so that they function in the proper timed sequence.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 3 of the drawings, the main frame of the apparatus or machine comprises upright corner-posts 2 of angle-iron with upper and lower side plates 3 and 4 and opposite single end-plates 5 and 6 connected thereto to provide a rigid box-like structure. `Angle-irons 1 extend between the corner-posts 2 above the upper side plates 3 to further reinforce the frame. A horizontal bottom plate 8 is joined to the lower side and end-plates 4 and 6 to provide a pan for collecting surplus liquid and a pipe 9 leads downwardly therefrom for draining oi the liquid, see Figs. 1 and 4.

Mounted between the upper side plates 3 at one end of the frame is a tank Ill of box-like form having side walls II and I2, an end wall I3 and a bottom wall I4, see Figs. l, 5 and 6. Flanges I5 depending from the side walls II and I2 of the tank are attached to the side plates 3V of the frame to support the tank thereon. The open side of the tank IU opposite from its end wall I3 is adjacent the periphery of a drum I8, later to be described in detail, which in effect servesas a closure therefor. The ends of the side walls I I and' l2 of the tank I Il are of arcuate contour corresponding to the circumference of the barrel of the drum and the joints between the ends of the side Walls of the tank and the barrel of the drum are sealed by suitable packing strips I9. The forward portion of the bottom wall I4 of the tank ID is inclined upwardly toward the periphery of the drum and has a series of stepped shoulders 20 and 2| for mounting laterally-extending plates 22, 23 and 24, see Fig. 5. Clamped between the plate 22 and the inclined portion of the Wall I4 of the tank is a gasket 25 of rubber or other suitable material with its edge bearing against the periphery of the drum I8 to seal the tank against leakage. Clamped between the plates 23 and 24 is a baille-plate or blade 26 which may be `adjusted at various angles so that its upper edge 21 will extend diagonally across the periphery. of the drum. The baiile-plate 26 bears against the periphery of the drum I8 and provides an opening at the end of the tank of trapezoidal form with its lower marginal side inclined upwardlyl at an angle to the'horizontal, see Fig. 6.

The tank I8 is adapted to contain the liquid pulp stock which is' continuously supplied thereto from a fsuitable reservoir, not Aherein shown, through a pipe 30. The iiuent pulp may be of paper or wood liber carried by a liquid such as water containing a binder foramalgamating the iibers when dried and set; but any other suitable fibrous material may be used, for example, textile ber or the like. yThe pulp stock is maintained at a predetermined constant level in thc tank I0 by means of a return pipe 3l in its side through which the stock is circulated back to the reservoir. Suitable bailles 32 are provided in the tank I8 to prevent excessive agitation of the liquid pulp stock as it flows into the tank so as to maintain the liquid level of the pulp stock substantially constant while also acting' to stir and mix the material.

The drum I8, see Figs. l, 4 and 5, 'comprises a single spoked'wheel 33 and a foraminous barrel 34 of frusto-conical form attached to and projecting laterally from'the rim of the wheel. As illustrated more in detail in Fig. 7, the frustoconical barrel 34 is recessed at one side to provide a lateral flange 35 which seats in an annular recess 36 in the rim of the wheel 33 and is fastened thereto by means of screws 31. Surrounding the flange 35 is a ring 38 having a radial ange39 which extends to the outer surface of the barrel 34 with its side beveled or inclined to the vertical to provide a frictional driving face 40. Seated in a recess at the opposite rim of the barrel 34 is a ring 4I which extends radially therefrom and is attached to the end of the barrel by means of screws 42. The barrel 34 of the drum I8 has a series of radial holes 43 therein and is covered by one or more layers of ne mesh screen 44 to render it porous, see Fig. 5. The vdrum I8 is mounted on a shaft 45 which extends through the hub 46 of the wheel 33 and is journaled in bearings 41 and 48 on the opposite side plates 3 of theV frame, see Fig. 4. As will be noted by reference to Fig. 4, the shaft 45 is tilted or inclined from the horizontal so that the periphery of the barrel 34 above the shaft extends substantially horizontally. The hub 46 of the wheel 33 is keyed to the shaft 45 for rotation therewith and the shaft is held against axial movement by the hub and a collar 49 fastened to the end of the shaft bearing against the opposite sides of the bearing 48.4 The hub of the wheel 33 is held in position on the shaft 46 by means of a set-screw 50. Mounted on the opposite end of the shaft 45 from the collar 49 is a pulley 5I having a V-shaped groove in its periphery.

The drum I8 ls arranged to be rotated continuously by suitable vmeans such as an electric shaft 56 is journaled in suitable bearing-boxes 58 on the upper side plate 3 of the-machine frame and on a column 59 at one side of the frame.

4. The shaft 56 hasa worm-gear 50 fast thereon between the two bearings `58 which meshes withA from the tank l is a suction box lo, see Fig. 5.

The suction box 'lil is in the form of a rectangular trough which extends throughout the width of thev barrel 3d of the drum I8 and hasv a gasket 1i surrounding its edges for sealing engagement with the drum. The suction box 70 is mounted y for movement radially of the drum I8 by means of studs 'l2 projecting from its bottom and slidable in a bracket 73 supported from the angleiron cross-member l of the machine frame, see Figs. l and 5. The suction box 'lil is forced against -the inner face of the barrel 3d of the drum i8 by springs 'lil surrounding the studs l? and acting between the bracket 'i3 and the bottom of the box to maintain the gasket 1l in sealing engagement with thedrum. A nipple l5 in the bottom wall of ,the suction box 'lo is connected. to a flexible conduit it, see Figs. 1 and 5. The conduit it is connected at its opposite end to a suitable suction pump, not herein shown in detail, but represented diagrammatically and indicated by the reference character il in Fig. 19. Preferably, the

` pump il is arranged to exhaust the air from a tank la connected to the'suction-box l@ by the conduit i6. The pump Tl is adapted to maintain a relatively low degree of vacuum in the tank lil and suction box lil, approximately fifteen inches, whereby itacts to suck the fibrous stock from the tank lil a-nl deposit a layer orweb of4 ypulp P on the periphery of the drum iti while partially extracting the liquid therefrom through its foraminous barrel 3d.

- Also mounted on the bracket it is a second suction box @t substantially identical in construction with that of the suction box lil. The suction box il@ has a gasket Eil at its edges for sealing engagement with the barrel 3d of the drum it and has studs d2 slidably mounted in the bracket i3.

. The suction box @il is maintained in engagement with the barrel il@ of the drum i8 by means of springs @il and the interior of the box is connected to a iiemble suction conduit 8d by means of a nipple @5. The exible conduit 86 is connected to a suitable pump [i6 through a vacuum tank i9, represented diagrammatically in Fig. 19,A for evacuating the-interior of the suction box 8i). rll'he pump 86 maintains a higher degree of vacuum in the suction box di) than that in the suction box it, approximately twenty-live inches, to extract more liquid from the web of pulp Pas it is fed forwardly on the drum I8. 'Ihe liquid withdrawn from the barrel 3d of the drum ld in both suction boxes la and ii@ is discharged by the pumps 'il and 36 through suitable drains indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 19.

Also positioned within the interior of the drum i8 and supported by the angle-iron l of the machine frame is a pressure manifold 90 which extends throughout thewidth of the barrel 3d and routwardly through the open side thereof, see Figs. a, 5 and 18. The manifold 9i) is of cylindrical form and has a plurality of circumferentiallytion in the form of longitudinal slots which ex-` tend a distance equal to the width of the barrel 3@ of the drum iii. Nozzles 94, 95 and 96 formed integral with or fixedly attached to the manifold 90, as by welding, communicate with the valve ports 9i, 92 and 93, respectively, and extend radially toward the inner surface of the barrel 313 of the drum IB. 'I'he nozzles iid, 95 and 95 each may have a series of passages 3l as shown in Fig. 4, or a single Slot may be formed in each nozzle as shown in Fig. 7, adapted for communication with the -holes t3 in the barrel 3d of the drum i8, and gaskets 98 are provided at their ends for sealing engagement with the drum barrel. The manifold has an inlet port 99 in its under side through which air under pressure may be supplied to its interior through a conduit I. The air conduit l has one end attached to the manifold 90 at the inlet port 99 with its opposite end connected to a suitable blower ll, indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 19. i

A cylindrical sleeve-valve lili! is mounted for rotation within the manifold @il with one end projecting outwardly from the open end thereof. 'I'he sleeve-valve m2 has a relatively narrow outlet portl03 in the form of a longitudinal slot adapted to register individually with the ports 9i, 92 and 93 in the manifold @il and a relatively wide slot Mld for cooperation with the inlet port 99 of the manifold in all positions of the valve.

The sleeve-valve A02 is adapted to be turned by operating means, later described, to aline its outlet port HB3 with one or another of the outlet ports di, 92 and 93 in the manifold ii@ to cause a blast of air to be directed by one of the nozzles 9d, 95 or through the foraminous barrel 3d of the drum it.

Supported for movement above the drum i@ are a plurality of hollow forming rolls or mandrels i535, it and lill which may be of the sameshape or of different iorm and construction. As herein shown, the forming rolls ille, lli@ and mi are of conical shape corresponding to that of the conical tubes C to be produced and with their peripherles oi" the same angle of inclination as the conical periphery of the drum l. Thus, the web oi pulp P deposited on the periphery of the barrel dll of the drum l@ is in eect a development of the conical surfaces of the forming rolls H35, lilo and i671 so that the web may be wound on the latter in overlying layers of suitable area. As shown more in detail in Fig. '7, each oi the conical forming rolls HB5, Hi8 and mi has a series of bores or orices m9 extending radially thereof and one or more layers of fine mesh wire screen il@ surrounding its periphery. The forming rolls wil, ill and lill are each constructed integral with a hollow stem or spindle lll, see Fig. 7, having an annular flange H2 projecting radially therefrom adjacent the base of the forming roll. The iiange H2 of each forming roll H35, 06 or iil'l is provided with an inclined or tapered frictional driving face H3 for cooperation with the inclined driving face fill, previously described, on

the drum it. Each spindle iii is iournalecl in anti-friction bearings lili carried by the upright arms of a U-shaped bracket H, see Figs. 1l to 13, the spindles being held against axial movement by collars H6 and lll. A stationary suction tube il@ extends axially through the bore of each spindle lll and throughout the length of each forming roll |05, lll@ and l'l with its rearward end projecting beyond the end of the spindle, ysee Fig. 4. A plug H9, welded or otherwisesecured within the smaller end of each forming roll |05, |06 and |01, has a series of stepped shoulders forming a closure |20 Vfor the forward ends of the roll and the suction tube H8. The lengths of the suction tubes ||8 within the interior of the forming rolls |05, |06 andv |01 are perforated for communication with the perfor-ations |09 andthe forming rolls are counterbored throughout their length to provide shallow annular chambers |2| surrounding the tubes.

The brackets H are mounted for limited sliding movement on rests inclined slightly to the horizontal at the upper lend of vertical slides |25, |26 and |21, see Figs. 2 and 4, and the rests have suitable guiding strips |28 overlying the sides of the brackets I |5 to confine the forming rolls |05, |06 and |01 to straight line movement. A screw projects Irearwardly from each bracket ||5 through a hole in an abutment-plate |30 attached to the end of the rest |24 and hasa head |3| at its end engageable with the abutment-plate to limit the sliding movement of the bracket vforwardly. Each bracket I5 is urged yieldingly toward the left as viewed'in Fig. 4 bymeans of a spring |32 surrounding thescrew |20 and tensioned between the rearward end of .the bracket and the forward face of the abutment-plate ||3.

The slides |25, |26k and |21 which carry the forming rolls |05, |06 and |01 are mounted for vertical movement on a plate-like bracket |33 -attached to the sideplates 3 and 4 of the machine frame, see Figs. 2 and 8. The bracket |33 has parallel vertical guideways |30 on its rearward side for receiving and guiding the slides 25, |26 and |21, the slides being held in the gu..leways by strips |35 attached to the bracket and overlying the sides of the slides.y The forming rolls |05, |06 and |01 thus are adapted to be moved vertically with the slides |25, |26 and |21 on which they are mounted to carry the rolls toward and away from the periphery of the barrel 34 of the drum I8. The rolls are also movable axially by the sliding action of the brackets ||5 to engage the tapered faces ||3 of the anges ||2` with the tapered driving face at the side of the drum |8.

The slides |25, |26 and |21 maybe moved vertically in timed sequence by suitable cam-operated means such as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 4 to carry the forming rolls |06, |06 and |01 toward and away from the periphery of the barrel 34 of the drum I8. Each slide |25, |26 or |21 has a knuckle-pin |31 projecting rearwardly therefrom on which is pivoted a crosshead |38 at the end of a connecting rod |33. Each yrod |39 carries a similar crosshead |40 at its lower end pivoted' on a, knuckle-pinl |4| projecting laterally from one end of a lever |42, |43 or |44. The levers |42, |43 and |44 are arranged in side-by-side relationship and pivotally mounted intermediate their ends on a shaft |45 supported by a bearing-bracket |46 at the base of the machine. Counterweights are slidably adiustable'along the levers |42, |43 and |44 for partially balancing the Weight of the slides |25, |26 and 21 and the forming rolls |05, |06 andV |01 carried thereby. Between the shaft |45 and counterwdghts |50 the levers |42. |43 and |44 carry followerrollers 15| which bear respectively against cams |52, |53 and |54, see Figs. 1, 2 and 4. y

The cams |52, |53and |54 are mounted fast on Each cam |52, |53 and |54 has three separate lobes |58, |59 and |60, see Fig. 2', extending respectively throughout substantially 120 of its circumference. The rotation of each cam |52, |53 and |54 will cause its lobe |58 to lower the slide and forming roll |05, |06 or 01 related thereto under the action of gravity to carry the roll into engagement with the periphery of the barrel |34 of the drum I8. The next adjacent lobe |59 of each cam |52, |53 and |54 will act through the rod |39 and slide |25, |26 or |21 to raise the appropriate forming roll |05, |06 or |01` away from the periphery of the barrel 34 of the drum |8.

' The lobe |60 of each cam |52, |53 and |54 will act to cause its related forming roll 05, 06 or |01 to be moved by gravity to an intermediate position for removing the formed article. The three cams |52, |53 and |54 are so related on the shaft |55 that each lobe |58, |59 and |60 of aparticular cam is in advance of the corresponding lobe on the next adjacent cam 120 of its circumference so that the several forming rolls will be moved in successsion throughout a complete cycle of operation: that is, first toward the drum |8 to contact its barrel 34 with a dwell thereon; then away from the drum to its uppermost position; next to an intermediate position with a dwell; and then down onto the drum again. In Fig. 2 the forming roll |01 is shown as raised by the lifter action of the lobe |59 of the cam |54; the forming roll |06 as moved to its lowermost position by the action of the lobe |58 of the cam |53; and the forming roll |05 as moved to its intermediate position by the action of the lobe |60 o f the cam |52.

As shown in Fig. 4, a nipple- 6 is connected to the rearwardly extending end of the suction tube I8 of each forming roll |05, |06 and |01 by means of al coupling |62 and the nipples are connected to the ends of flexible conduits |63 byW means of clamps |66. The' opposite ends of the flexible conduits |63 are connected respectively to nipples |1| communicating with ports |80 in rotary ringvalves |12, |13 and |14 surrounding a suction box y or manifold |15, see Figs. 2, 9 and 10, the mania shaft |55 .iournaled in suitable bearings |56 ported at the base of the machine, see Fig. 4.

fold being supported on the machine frame in any suitable manner. 'I'he suction manifold |15 is of cylindrical` shape and is provided with radial ports |16, |11 and |18 shown in Figs. 9 and 10. The interior ofthe manifold |15 is connected by a conduit |19 to the intake of the suction pump 86, previously mentioned and indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 19. The ring-valves |12, |13 and |14 surrounding the cylindrical suction manifold |15 each has a port |80 adapted to communicate with one of the ports |16, |11 or |18 in the manifold. Packing rings or gaskets |83 surround the ports |16, |11 and |18 in sealing engagement with the ring-valves V|12, |13 and |14 and a spring-pressed strip |84 between the ring-valves and the manifold |15 at the side opposite from. the ports tends to forcethe ring-valves into engagement with the gaskets. The ring-valves |12, |13 and |14 are arranged in side-by-side relationship and. held against axial movement by an annular shoulder |85 at one end of the manifold andcollar |66 at its opposite end. Projecting radially from each ring-valve 12, |13 and |14 is a stop-member or detent |81, see Fig. 10, engageable with a fixed abutment |88 on the machine frame to limit the rotary movement of the valve. A spring |89, see Fig. 2, connected at one en i to a screw |00 projecting from each ring-valve |12, |13 and |14 and anchored at its opposite end to the machine frame tends to normally rock its respective valve to engage its cletent |81 with the xcd abutment |80;

one of the ports llt, ill or llt of the manifold H5.

Each of the ring-valves 72, lld and il@ has a crank-arm irl extending radially therefrom and pivotally connected to one end of an operating link EQ2, see Fig. 2. The opposite end of each link H92 is pivotally connected to a follower-arm |93 rcckably mounted on a pin ldd carried by a bracket |95 supported at the base of the machine. Each of the follower-arms led carries a roller IBB engageable with a cam Wi', i9@ or 6%, see Fig. 3. The cams nel', its and it@ are mounted fast on a shaft 2d@ journaled in bearings 250i on the corner=posts 2 at the right-hand end of the machine frame as viewed in Fig. 2, see also Fig. 3.

Each cam itl, it@ and lil@ has a lobe Edil which extends through substantially 180 of its circurn ference and the three cams are so related on the shaft 2Q@ that the rise of each lobe is spaced rearwardly of the rise of the lobe of the next adiacent cam by substantially 126 of revolution ci the shaft H98. The ring-valves H2, ili and il@ are therefore adapted to be osclllated in regular timed sequence, one after another upon rotation of the shaft 2d@ to register their ports it@ individually with one of the ports W6, lll or il@ in the manifold.

The cam-shafts E55 and 2Q@ carry sprockets 293 and 2M respectively, see Fig. 2, which are fast thereon and connected to rotate in unison by means of a chain 2th. The shaft 2d@ carries a gear 206 fast on its end, see Figs. l and 2, which meshes with an idler gear 2u? on a countershaft 208. 'Ihe idler gear ttl, in turn, meshes with a gear` 2te on the shaft t2, previously described as part of the drive for the 1: 'in i8. Thus the carnshafts H55 and 2&3@ are continuously driven in timed relation to the rotation of the drum it which, as previously explained, is driven from the motor 53 through the pulleys 5d and G5, worin ed, worm-gear @l and pulleys E53 and 5i. The

cams le?, ist and it@ are so related with respect the pulp to be sucked against the periphery of the roll.

Simultaneously with the operation of the ringvalve H2, il@ or ile to apply suction to the interior of its related forming roll tuti, it@ or it?! the sleeve-valve 22 in the pressure manifold Qd, see Figs. 5 and .18, is operated to cause a blt of air to be directed through the nozzle QQ, Sii or @t and the foraminous barrel 3G of the i@ in line with the tangential contact of that partie forming roll with the pulp on the 8&3, see Fig. 5. The operating means for the sleeve-valve m2 comprises a link 2MB, see Fig. l,'pivotaliy connected at one end toa eraan-arm 2li projecting radially from the end of the valve which extends outwardly beyond the end of the manifold i3d., see also Fig. e. The opposite end of the 2l@ against the roll. i

- assaeso at which juncture its port we will register with anchoredy to the machine frame and its opposite end connected to the lever. The spring, il thus acts to maintain the follower-roller 2l5 in engagement with the periphery of the cam 2 i6. The

cam 2id has a concentric peripheral portion2i8 which extends throughout slightly less than 2lll of its circumference with a slight depression itil of short length located midway between its ends. Adjacent one end of its concentric portion 2&8 the cam 245 has a shouldered lobe 226i of greater radius which extends throughout only a few de grees of the circumference and then rises into a longer lobe 22E, thelobe 22d with the lobe 22R extending through substantially 120l of the cir cumference. At the end oi the lobe 22@ is a short lobe 222 of still greater radius which extends throughout only a few degrees of the circurnera ence and then merges into the concentric rperlijih eral portion 2id. The arrangement of the sleevevalve M32 is such that its port ldd ls positioned between the ports 32 and t3 in the manifold Q@ when the follower-roller il@ is in engagement with the concentric peripheral portion 2i@ of cam 2id. During rotation ci the cam 28S the depression 269 will pass under the followermroller 2id to cause the 'lever 2id to be rocked by spring 2li in clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 1. Consequently, the shaft 2li! will be rocked to act through the link 2l@ to'rotate the valve m2 to aline its port lcd with the port 23 in the manifold 9th The air under r`pressure in the manifold 90 thus will be released and directed through the nozzle 965 to cause an air-blast to be projected through the foraminous barrel i3d of the drum i8. The lobes 22B and 222 are arranged to actuate the lever 2id to rotate the valve S92 in counterclockwise direction to aline the port ille successively with the ports t2 and 9i to direct an air blast through the nozzles 95 and 2G. The cem 2li is so locatedron the shaft l that the depression 2l@ and lobes 22d and 222 will cause the valve W2 to be actuated in synchronism with the lowering of the forming rolls lill, lut and HOC into engagement with the barrel 3d of the drum itl by the lobes i523 of the cams |56, ,E63 and M32 so that at the instant the periphery of one of the forming rolls is engaged with the pulp on the periphery of the drum a blast of air will be dia rected through the barrel 3&5 oi the latter below that particular forming rollyto press the pulp Means are provided for compacting and felting the pulp after it has been applied to the peripheries of the forming rolls l @5, it and itil. As here in illustrated the `compacting means are in the form of presser-rolls 225, 22e and 221 mounted is connected to a crank-arm 2i2 mounted fast on a rock-shaft 2 l2 mounted in suitable bees on the end-plate e of the machine frame. A lever 2id fast on the rock-shaft 2&3, see Fig. l, has a follower-roller 2lb at one endengageable with the periphery of a cam 2id fast on the cam-shaft The lever 2id normally tends to rock in clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. l, under for rotation on an arch or gantry 228, see Fig. 4, which supports them above the forming rolls ill, ldd and it?. The arch-like gantry 222 has standards or postsv 229 supported from the angle-irons l of the machine frame, see Fig. 1. The presser-c rolls 22d, 228 and-227 are of the same conical shape as the forming rolls H35, |86 and lill and each carries a fine mesh screen 23B surrounding its im perforate periphery, see Fig. 7, 'I'he presser-rolls 226, 225iand 221 are preferably of hollow con struction and have disks 223i and 232 secured to their ends with axial bores for receiving a central .shaft 223i projecting therebeyond. The pressernaled in anti-friction bearings 234 and 235 carv riedbil they dependingarnis of inverted U-shaped brackets 236 bolted to the under side of the santi-y the tension of a spring 2li' having one' end 7d 228. The shaft, 233 is 'held against 'axial movement by collars 231 and 238 abutting the bearings 234 and 235 and the hubs-of the disks 23| and 232. As shown in Fig. 11, the end face of the disk 232 of each presser-roll is of beveled construc-l tion to provide a frictional driving face 239 adapted to engage with the beveled face ||3 of the flange I I2 on its related forming roll. A pulley 244 is mounted fast on the outer end of each shaft 233 beyond the bearing 235. l

The three presser-rolls 225, 226 and 221 are arranged to be rotated continuously by a belt 244, see Figs. 1 and 2, in driving engagement with theirl pulleys 240 and extending around an idler pulley 245` journaled on a stud 246 held in a bearing supported at the end of the gantry 228. The belt 244 'is arranged to be driven by a pulley 241 mounted fast on a shaft 248 journaled in a bracket 249 at the opposite end of the gantry 228 from the idler pulley 245. The shaft 248 is driven from an electricy motor 250, see Fig. 2, through reduction gearing comprising a gear 25| on the shaft which meshes with a pinion-gear 252 on a countershaft 253. A large pulley 254 von the countershaft 253 is driven from a smaller pulley 255 on the shaft of the motor 250 by means of a belt 256. The motor 25|] is mounted on a shelf or platform 260 supported from the machine frame and the upright or strut 55, previously referred to.

Idler pulleys 26| and 262 arranged above and laterally olset from the pulleys 24|) press against the belt 244 to maintain it in driving engagement with the pulleys on the shafts of the pressen-rolls. The vidler pulleys 26| and 262 are journaled on studs 263 carried by brackets 264 bolted to the gantry 228, see Fig. 2. An idler pulley 265 journaled on a stud 261 at the end of a pivoted arm 258 bears against the belt 244 between the driving pulley 241 and the pulley 24B on the end presser-roll 225. The arm 268 is pivotally mounted on a stud 259 projecting from the gantry 228 and a spring 21@ connected to the arm tends to press the pulley 26E against the belt 244. Thus'the arm 25@ and idler pulley 26-6 constitute a 4belttightener for insuring a rm driving engagement between the belt 244 and the pulleys 243. One form of the invention having been described in detail its mode of operation is explained as follows:

For the purpose of explanation let it be assumed that the apparatus is in operation with its parts in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2. At this stage of the operation the forming roll |55 is in intermediate position to provide for removing a formed article therefrom; the forming roll |05 is in its lowermost position with the pulp being applied thereto from the drum IH; and the forming roll |01 is in its uppermost position with the presser-roll 221 pressing against the pulp. on its surface. The drum I8 is driven continuously from the motor 53 through the speed-reduction gear- .ing comprising the motor-pulley 54, belt 51, pulsprockets 203 and 204 and chain 205. The presser-rolls 225, 226 and 221 are driven continuously from the motor 25B through the reduction gearing comprising the motor,` pulley 255, belt 256,

pulley zu, shaft 25a, gears m and zu, shaft- 248, pulley 241 and belt 244 which drives the pulleys 240 on the presser-roll shafts 233.

During the rotationof the drum I8 suction is applied continuously to the interior of the suction box 10 by means of the suction pump 11 and conduit 16, see Figs. 4, 5 and 19. The suction in the box 10 draws the liquid pulp stock fromthe tank I0 against the periphery of the foraminous barrel 34 of the drum I 8 with the liquid filtering through the screens 44 and holes 43 and the pulp being deposited on the face of the screen to form a layer or web of pulp P. As the pulp stock is continuously suppliedto the tank I0 through the inlet pipe 30 and circulated through the overflow or return pipe 3| the level of the stock in the tank is maintained constant to cause a predetermined amount of pulp to be continuously' deposited on the periphery of the drum I8. Due to the angularadjustability ofthebaflle-plate 26 a web of pulp may be deposited on the barrel 34'of the drum I8 of gradually increasing thickness laterally of the width of the drum. The rotation of the drum I8 acts to feed the web of `pulp P away from the tank l0 and the suction box 85 acts to extract additional liquid from the pulp on the drum. K

As shown in Figs. 5 and '7, the periphery of the forming roll |66 is in engagement with the web of pulp on the periphery of the drum Iii `on a horizontalv line of tangency therewith and the forming roll is driven by the engagement of its friction face ||3 with the frictional driving face 40 on the drum. At'this juncture the ring-valve |13 on the -suction manifold |15 is held in such position by the springIBB, see Figs, 2 and Q, that its port will register with the port |17 in the manifold |15 so that suction is applied to the interior of the forming roll |05 to cause the web of pulp P to be sucked against its periphery and wound thereon as the roll rotates; the suction in the roll also acting to extract liquid from the.

pulp on the roll. The web of pulp P deposited on the conical periphery of the drum i2 is in effect a development of the conical periphery of the forming lroll |06 so that the web will be wound on vthe forming roll in overlying layers of the appropriate area. Due to the provision tor angular adjustment of the plate or blade 25 in the pulp-box or tank |0 the pulp may be deposited on the periphery of the drum Iii-in a layer or web of graduated thickness across the width of its barrel 34 so that a greater thickness of pulppwill be applied to either end of the forming roll |65. For example, with the blade adjusted in the position shown in Fig. 6, the pulp applied to the forming roll will increase inthlckness toward the smaller end of the cone-tube so that it may be compacted to greaterdensity and hardness as is sometimes desirable.

The rotation of the cam-shaft |55 turns the cams |52, |53 and |54 to operate the slides |25, |26 and |21 and to move the forming rolls |05, |06 and |01 toward and away from the drum I8. Assuming thatthe forming rolls are in the position illustrated in Fig. l, as previously described, and indicated in Fig. 15, the rolls are rst shifted to the position indicated in Fig. 16, see the chart in Fig. 14 between lines Y'and Z. Dur-l ing this action the lobe |59 of the cam |53 will engage the follower-roller ISI on the'lever |43 and rock the latter in counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 2. The lever |43 acting through the connecting rod |39 will therefore lift the centrally located slide |26 to raise the forming roll away from the periphery of the drum I0 and toward the periphery of the presser-roll 228. y,iis the forming roll |05 is moved away from the periphery of the drum I8 the pulp thereon will be disconnected from the web of pulp P on the drum i8 and the Web then will be advanced by the drum to contact the next forming roll |05 of the series. As the forming roll |06 is moved upwardly toward the presser-roll 225 its friction face H3 irst will engage the beveled driving face ,230 on the presser-roll as the spring |32 acting on the slide |I5 tends to force the friction faces into driving engagement. Due to this engagement between the driving faces ||3 and 239 the forming roll |06 will be rotated prior to the lengagement of the pulp on its periphery with the periphery of the presser-roll 22d; this action being designed to insure a proper rolling contact between the pulp-coated forming roll and presserroll at the start of contact to prevent scuiiing of the pulp on the forming roll. In other words, as the forming roll |25 approaches the periphery of the presser-roll 225 it is started to rotate and its speed of rotation is increased as its beveled driving face is moved toward the axis of the presser-roll until its periphery has the same linear velocity as the periphery of the presser-roll. After the pulp on the periphery of the forming roll |06 makes contact with the periphery of the presser-roll 225 th: latter acts to compress and homogeneous mass to form the cop-tube C.

During the first stage of the compressing operation suction is maintained within the forming roll |06 to maintain/ the pulp in place thereon and assist in the shaping of the tube, while also serving to exhaust the liquid squeezed therefrom. The application of suction to the interior of the forming roll |05 is controlled by the cam |98 on the shaft 200, see Fig. 3, and when the cam has `been rotated throughout substantially 60 of its circumference its lobe 202 will, actuate the oilower-arm |93, see Fig. 2 which shows the adjacent cam |99 of the same contour, and through the link |92 will rock the ring-valve |70, shown in Fig. 9, against the action of its spring |82 to close the port y|`|`| in the manifold |15. As the suction in the forming roll |26 thus is discontinued the presser-roh 225 still will continue its pressure against; the pulp on the forming roll to slightly stretch the shaped 'masswhereoi' to loosen the formed article to facilitate its removal when the roll is lowered into dollng position.

Simultaneously with the raising ofthe forming roll |05 the lobe |55 on the cam |52 will eiiect release of the lever |22 to allow the slide |25 and its related forming roll |05 to descend by gravity to contactwith the pulp on the drum |d. The ring-valve |12 then will be actuated by the lobe 202 ofthe cam |51, see Figs. 2, 3 and 9, to

` apply suction to the interior of the forming roll |05. The sleeve-valve |02 now will be actuated by the lobe 222 of the cam 2|6, see Fig. 1, to displace its port |03 from the position shown in Fig. 5 and move it into register with the port 5| in the manifold 90 whereof to direct an air-blast through thel nozzle 94 and the foraminous barrel 3l of the drum i8 directly below the forming roll on the lever |44 to causethe forming roll |51 to descend by gravity to a vposition midway berotation of the cam-shafts |55 and 200.

compact the layers of pulp on the roll into a |05. The lobe |60'on the cam |54 then will act tween its presser-roll 22| and theperiphery of y thedrum I8 where the formed cop-tube C may,

be removed manually. The relative movements of the several forming rolls and the periods ot aesaaeo l to the depression 2 i 2, peripheral portion 2id. lobe 220, lobe 22| and lobe 222 of the cam 2|5 for operating the valve.

The forming rolls |05, |55 and |01 remain in their relative positions indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 16 for' a predetermined period of operation corresponding to substantially 120 of The forming rolls |05, |05 and |51 then are moved by the cams |52, |53 and |543 to the relative positions indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 17, and on the chart in Fig. 14 between the lines Z and X. The lobe |50 of the cam |53 on the cam-shaft |55, see Fig. 2, next will act to release the lever |25 to permit the slide |26 and forming roll |05 mounted thereon to descend by gravity to a position midway between the presser-roll 225 and the periphery 3d of the drum I8. The formed coptube .C which has been loosened by the action of the presser-roll 225 during discontinuance of the suction applied to the forming roll |05 may be removed from the roll |06 by slidingA it axially over the end thereof.

The slide |25 and forming roll |05 are raised by the lobe |59 of the cam |52 to subject the pulp wound on the periphery of the forming roll to the action of the presser-roll 225. The slide |21 carrying the :forming roll illl'is released in the meantime by the lobe |58 of the cam |52 to allow the forming roll to descend by gravity to engage its periphery with the pulp on the periphery of the drum I8. Simultaneously with the movement of the forming rolls |05, |05 and il'i to the positions indicated in Fig. 17 the cam |25 on the cam-shaft 200, see Fig. 2, will release the ringvalve il@ to cause it to be oper'atedby the spring |83 to aline its Dort |82 with the port |70 .in the manifold |15 whereby to apply suction to the interior of the forming rollv |01. The depression 2|2 in the cam 2id on the cam-shaft |55, see Fig. 1, will allow the lever 2I4, rock-shaft 2I2 and crank-arm 2|2 to rock in clockwise direction under the tension of the spring 2H and acting through the linl.: 2 I 0 the crank-arm will rock the sleeve-valve |02, see Fig. 5, to aline its port |03' with the port 23 in the manifold 90. The air under pressure in the manifold |15 then will be directed through the nozzle Stand foraminous barrel 50 oi the drum i8 directly below the forming roll |07; After a period of operation corresponding to approximately 60 of rotation of the cam-shaft 200 the lobe 202 of the cam |91 will rock its follower-arm |93 and acting through the linls |92, see Fig. 2, will rock the ring-valve H2, shown in Fig. 9, against the action of the spring |89 to release the suction applied to the interior oi the forming roll |05. By reference to the chart in Fig. 14 between the lines Z and X the relative i Va on the dotted une at the bottom of the chart.

The forming rolls |25, |25 and |01 remain in their relative positions indicated diagrammatieration corresponding to substantially 120 of rotation of the cam-shafts |55 and 200 and then are moved by the action of the cams |52, |53 and |54 to their original positions indicated diagram# tion face"40 on th'e drum I5, see Fig. 13, to rotateI the forming roll before the engagement of its periphery with the pulp on the periphery of the drum. The rotation of the forming roll |05 is.

accelerated until its periphery has the same linear velocity asl the periphery of the drum I 5 to prevent scufflng or breakage of the delicate web `of pulp P when the latter contacts the drum. At the instant that the` periphery of the forming roll |05 is engaged with the pulp on the barrel 54 of the drum I suctionwill be applied to the interior of the forming rolland an air-blast will be directed are operated in the same manner as the forming roll |55 and in timed relation to the operation of the latter.

Each of the forming rolls |05, |05 and |01 continues to repeat its cycle of operations for receiving and winding layers `of pulp on its periphery during one-third of the cycle, compacting the pulp and then stretching the formed article during another third of its cycle and positioning the formed articlel to be removed during the last third of the cycle. The cycles of operation of the forming rolls |05, and |01, however, follow each other in regular order so that the web of pulp is through the foraminous barrel 34 of the drum.

The application of suction to the interior of the forming roll |06 is controlled by the cam |95 on the cama-shaft 200 which allows the spring 89, see Fig. `2, to rock the ring-valve 13, shown in Fig. 9, to register its port |00 with the port |11 in the manifold |15. The suction pump 85, indicated in Fig. 19, is connected to the interior of the suction manifold |15 by the conduit |19, see Fig. 9, and through the ports |11 and |80 in the manifold and valve and conduit |53 is connected to the suction t tube H8, see Fig. 4, which acts to draw air and liquid through the perforations |09 in the forming roll I 05 to applysuction to the periphery of the latter. The application of the air-blast is controlled by the lobe 220 of the cam 2|5, see Fig. 1. which acts to rock the lever 2|4, rock-shaft 2|3 and crank-arm 2 |2 and through the link 2 |0 rotate the sleeve-valve |02 to register its port |03 with the port 92 in the pressure manifold 90. The air under pressure in the manifold 90 is then released through the nozzle 95 and directed through the foraminous barrel 34 of the drum I5 directly below thevforming roll |05. 'I'he suction through the periphery of the forming roll |05 and the air-blast through the barrel 34 of the drum |5 causes the web of pulp P to be transferred from the drum to the periphery of the forming roll and to wind thereon as the forming roll rotates. The forming roll |05 then will continue to wind the web of pulp P- onto its periphery for a predetermined period of time to build up a plurality of superimposed layers.

At the same time that the forming roll |09 is moved into engagement with the pulp on the barrel 54 of the drum 8 the forming roll |05 is moved under theIcontrol of the cam |52 to its intermediate position where the formed cop-tube. C.

may be removed and during this interval the forming roll |01 is lmoved by thecam |54 to carry the coating of pulp thereon into contact with its presser-roll 221. Referring to the chart in Fig. 14, the relative movements of the forming rolls |55, |55 and |01 and the period of application of suction thereto is indicated between the lines X s and Y. the application of the air-blast through the nozzle y95 being indicated by the reference character c on th dotted line at the bottom of ing roll |55 has been describedin detail and the cycle of operations of the forming rolls |55 andthe chart. 'I'he cycle ofv operations of the formbeing received by and wound onto one forming roll while the pulp is being compacted on another forming roll and a formed article is being re-` moved from the third forming roll.

Tubes of various shapes formed by the method above set forth and on the apparatus described may be used for certain purposes without further treatment. but where they are to be employed as cop-tubes for supporting packages of yarn and thread, they are generally given further treatment, for example in heated dies to amalgamate the fibers and harden and set the material of the tubes. If required, certain finishes may be given to the peripheral surfaces of the tubes and in the case of cones their pointed ends may be rounded over and polished or enameled in accordance with a usual practice.

It will be observed from the foregoing speciflcation that the present invention provides a method of and apparatus for forming cop-tubes or similar tubular articles directly from pulp stock in one continuous process. It will bev observed further that the present invention provides a method of and apparatus for automatically and continuously producing cop-tubes or similar articlesone after another. It will be observed still further that the present invention provides a method of and apparatus for producing tubular articles by winding layers of pulp on one of a plurality of forming rolls, simultaneously compacting and shaping a previously formed article on another forming roll and positioning another tank for containing fluent pulp stock, a carrier movable lwith respect to the tank to feed a web of pulp therefrom, a plurality of rotatable forming rolls mounted for movement toward the carrier to contact the pulp thereon to apply it to the rolls, and means automatically operated in timed relation to the movement of the carrier for raising one forming roll away from the carrier and simultaneously lowering another forming roll into contact with the pulp on the carrier.

2. In an apparatus of the type indicated, a tank for containinglfiuent pulp stock, a carrier movable with respect to the tank to feed a web of pulp therefrom, a plurality of rotatable forming rolls mounted for movement toward the carrier to contact the pulp thereon to apply it to the rolls, and cam-operated means actuated in timed relation vto the movement of the carrier for raising one forming roll away from the carrier and lowering another forming roll into contact with the pulp on the carrier.

3. In an apparatus of the type indicated, a tank for containing fiiuent pulp' stock-'having an open side, a rotatable drum having a foraminous barrel movable across the open sideof the tank to re- Aceive and feeds. web of pulp therefrom, a plurality of. rotatable forming rolls mounted for movement toward and away from the periphery of the drum and adapted to contact the pulp thereon to cause it to be applied thereto, and

means operated in timedrelation to the rotation of the drum for alternately raising and lowering the forming rolls with respect to the drum.

4. In an apparatus of the type indicated, a' tank for containing liquid pulp stock, a foraminous 'carrier movable relatively of the tank to Y feed a web of pulp therefrom, a plurality of roA tatable foraminous forming nrolls mounted for movement toward the carrier to receive the pulp A therefrom as it is'fed thereby, means for applyposition where the 'formed article may b removed, and lowering the next adjacent forming roll from its intermediate position into contact f with the pulp on the carrier.

the carrier for raising one forming roll away from the carrier and lowering another forming roll into contact with the pulp thereon.

5. In a machine of the type indicated, a tank for containing fluent pulp stock, a foraminous carrier movable with respect to the tank to feed a web of pulp therefrom as it is deposited on thecarrier, pulp-compressing means positioned `above Vengagement with the compressing means and lowering another forming roll into contact with the pulp on the carrier.

6. In an apparatus of the type indicated. a tank for containing fluent pulp stock, a foraminous carrier movable relatively of the tank to feed a web of pulp therefrom as it is deposited on the carrier, a. plurality of rotatable presser-rolls positioned above the carrier, a plurality of formi118 rolls mounted for movement between the carrier and the presser-rolls, said forming rolls being adapted to receive the pulp transferred thereto from the carrier, and means for moving the forming rolls to simultaneously contact one forming roll with the pulp on the carrier, engage another forming roll with 'a presser-roll and position another formingroll between the carrier Vand'its presser-roll to adapt the formed article Y thereon, a plurality of rotatable presser-rolls positioned above' the carrier, a plurality of forming rolls mounted for movement between the carrier kand the presser-rolls, said forming rolls being adapted to receive the pulp transferred Y thereto from the carrier, and means for simultaneously moving one forming roll away from the carrier and into engagement with its presser- 8. In an apparatus of the type indicated, a tank for containing fluentV pulp stock, a foraminous carrier movable relatively of the tank to feed a web of pulp therefrom as it' is deposited on'the carrier, a plurality' of rotatable hollow foraminous forming rolls mounted for movement toward and away from the carrier, means operative at predetermined time intervals for lowering the forming rolls successively-'into contact with the pulp on the carrier, means `for applying suction to the interior of the forming rolls, valvemeans for controlling th'el suction in the forming rolls, and means operative in timed relation to the lowering of the forming rolls to' operate the valve-means and apply suction to each forming roll as-it is moved into contact with thepulp on the carrier.

'9. In an apparatus of the type indicated, a tank for containing fluent pulp stock, a forami-l nous carrier movable relatively of the tank to receiveand'feed a web of pulp'therefrom, a plurality of rotatable forming rolls mounted for movement toward and away from the carrier, means operative at predetermined time intervals for lowering the forming rolls successively into contact with the pulp on the carrier, means for directing an air-blast through the foraminous carrier to transfer the pulp ficm the carrier onto the peripheries of the forming rolls, valve-means for controlling the air-blast through the foraminous carrier, and means operative in timed-relation to the lowering of the forming rolls for operating the valve-means to cause the air-blast to be directed through the foraminous carrier.

10. In an apparatus. of the type indicated, a

40 tank for containing fluent pulp stock, a foraminous carrier movable relatively of the tank to V receive and feed a web of pulp therefrom, a

plurality of rotatable hollow foraminous forming rolls mounted for movement toward and away from the carrier, means operative at predetermined timev intervals for lowering the forming rolls successively into contact with'the pulp on the carrier, means for applyingv suction to the interior of the forming rolls, means for directroll, moving the adjacent forming roll from en I sagement with its presser-rollte au intermediate. '(6 eries, means for applying suction to the interior ing an air-'blast through the foraminous carrier to transfer the web of pulp from the carrier onto the preipheries of the forming rolls, valvemeans for controlling the suction'in. the forming rolls and the air-blast through the foraminous carrier, and means operative in timed relation to the lowering of the forming rollsto operate the valve-means whereby to apply suction to each forming roll as it contacts with the pulp on the carrier and to simultaneously direct an air-blast through the carrier.

'11. In an apparatus of the type indicated, a tank for containing iluent pulp stock having an open side, a rotatable drum having a foraminous barrelv movable across theopen side of the tank, means for applying suction within the foraminous barrel of the drum oppositevthe open sid of the tank to cause a web of pulp to be deposited on the barrel and fed from' the tank, means for applying suction to the web of pulp as itis fed beyond the tank to extract moisture therefrom, a

plurality of rotatable hollow foraminous forming rolls mounted for movement toward and away from the periphery of the drum and adapted to receive the pulp transferred onto their periph- ,of the forming rolls during the application of the pulp thereto, and means operated in timed relation to the rotation Vof the drum for raising one forming roll away from the periphery of the drum and lowering another forming roll into contact with the pulp thereon.

12. In an apparatus of the type indicated, a tank for containing fluent pulp stock having an open side, a rotatable drum having a `foraminous barrel movable across the open side of the tank to adapt it to receive a web of pulp deposited thereon from the tank, .a plurality of presser,

rolls arranged in spaced relation to the periphery of the drum, a plurality of forming rolls adapted to be carried into contact with the pulp on the drum to apply it to their peripheries, and means operated in timed relation to the rotation of the drum for raising one `forming roll away from the periphery of the drum into contact with a presser-roll and lowering another-forming roll into' contact with the pulp on the drum.

13. In an apparatus of the type indicated, a tank for containing fluent pulp stock having an open side, a rotatable drum having a foraminous barrel movable across the open side of the tank to receive a web of pulp deposited thereon from the tank, a plurality of presser-rolls arranged in spaced relation to the periphery of the drum, a plurality of hollow foraminous forming rolls, each forming roll being adapted to receive and wind the web of pulp on its periphery when in contact with the pulp on the drum, ,means operated in timed relation to the rotation of the drum for raising one forming roll away from the drum and into cooperative relation to a related presserroll and lowering another forming roll into' contact with the pulp on the drum, and means for applying suction to the forming rolls to exhaust liquid therefrom.

14. In an apparatus of the. type indicated, a tank for containing fluent pulp stock having an open side, a rotatable drum having a frustoconical barrel movable across the open side of the tank to receive a web of pulp deposited thereon from the tank, a plurality of presser-rolls ar.- rangedin spaced relation to the periphery of the drum, a plurality of frusto-conical hollow foraminous forming rolls, the peripheries of the drum and forming rolls having the same angle of incli- :nation whereof the pulp deposited on the drum will wind in overlying conical layers on the forming rolls, means operated in timed relation to the rotation of the drum for raising each forming roll away from the carrier and into engagement with its associated presser-roll and lowering another forming roll into contact with the pulp on the drum, and means for applying suction within `the forming' rolls to extract-the liquid therefrom.

15. In an apparatus of the type indicated, a

tank for containing fluent pulp stock having an' on the drum will be applied in overlying conical layers on the forming rolls, means operated in timed relation to the rotation of the drum for raising one forming roll away from the drum and into engagement with a related presser-roll;

' lowering another forming roll away from its related presser-roll to an intermediate position where the formed article may be removed; and lowering a third `forming roll into contact with the pulp on the drum, and means for applying suction to the forming rolls to extract the liquid therefrom.

16. In an apparatus of thetype indicated, a

, tank for fiuentpulp stock having an open lateral side, a rotatable drum having a'barrel movable across the open side of the tank to receive a `web of pulp fed fro-m the tank, a forming roll adapted to contact the pulp on the drum to cause the pulp to be applied to the periphery of the roll, and friction-driving means on the drum and forming roll adapted to cooperate for positively driving the forming roll from the drum whereby the peripheries of the drum and forming roll will travel at the same linear velocity.

1'7. In an` apparatus of the type indicated, a tank for containing iiuent pulp stock having Aan open lateral side, a rotatable drum having a barrel movable across the open side of the tank to receive a web of pulp deposited thereon from the tank, a formingroll adapted to contact the web of pulp on the drum to apply the pulp to the roll, and mechanically-engaging means between the drum and forming roll for initiating the rotation of the forming roll prior to its contact with the pulp on the drum so that the periphery of the roll will have the same linear velocity as the periphery of the drum at the instant of contact.

18. In an apparatus of the type indicated, a

tank for containing fluent pulp stock having an open lateral side, a rotatable drum having a barrel movable across the openside of the tank.

the forming roll toward .the drum to cause its flange to engage the rim of the drum to rotate the forming roll prior to its contact with the pulp onthe drum so that the peripheries of the roll anddrum 'will travel at the same linear velocity.

19. A method of making tubular articles which comprises forming a continuous web of pulp, windingthe web of pulp while supporting it to form an article, compressing the wound pulp to compact it into a homogeneous mass, andsimultaneously winding the web of pulp to form a second article while the pulp of the first article is' lbeing compressed whereby to continuously produce tubular articles from the web of pulp.

20. A method of making tubular articles which comprises providing a plurality of mandrels conforming to the shape of the articles to be produced, forming a continuous web of pulp, winding lthe web of pulp onto the several mandrels in sequence, and compressing the pulp on one mandrel while simultaneously winding the web of pulp onto another mandrel whereby to continuously produce the articles one after another.

21. A method of' making tubular articles which comprises providing a plurality of mandrels conforming to the shape of the articles to be produced, forming a continuous web of pulp, wind- -ing theweb of pulp in layers on one of the forming mandrels, compressing the pulp applied to said mandrel to compact the layers thereof, and

'simultaneously winding the web of pulp onto another mandrel while the pulp on the first mandrel is being compressed.

22. A method of making tubular articles which comprisesviorming a continuous web' of pulp,

winding the web of pulplonto a hollow foraminous mandrel, compressing the pulp applied to the mandrel tocompact it thereon, applying succomprises forming a continuous web of pulp,y

applying suction to the web to extract liquid therefrom., winding the web'of pulp while supporting 'it interiorly' to i'orm a. hollow article,

compressing the wound pulp to compact the layers thereof, applying suction to the pulp as it is being wound and during part of the compressing operation to extract the liquid therefrom, releasing .the suction on the pulp during the latter part of the compressing operation to'cause stretching oi the formed article, and winding the web of pulp to form another article while the pulp of the previously formed article is Ibeing compressed.

24. A method of making tubular articles which comprises providing a plurality 'of mandrels conforming to the shape oi' the articles to be propulp on f duced, forming a continuous web of pulp. winding the web of pulp onto one of the mandrels, compressing the pulp woimd on said mandrel to compact it thereon, windingthe web of pulp onto a second mandrel during the compression of the pulp on the rst mandrel, winding the web of pulp onto a third mandrel during the compression of the pulp on .the second mandrel, e removing the formed article from the first manf drei, and continuing the winding,- compressing and article-removing operations in sequence on the plurality of mandrels.

25. A- method of making tubular articles which comprises providing a series of hollow foraminous mandrels conforming to the shape of the articles -to be produced, forming a continuous web of pulp, applying suction to the web to extract liquid therefrom, winding the web of .pulp onto the series of mandrels in succession, apply-` ing suction to each mandrel during the winding of the web of pulp thereon, compressing the wound pulp on one mandrel while winding the web onto another mandrel, winding the -web of pulp onto a third `mandrel during the compression of the pulp on thesecond mandrel, removing the formed article from the irst mandrel,- and continuing the winding, compressing and K article-removing' operations in sequence on the series of mandrels.

EUGENE L.v PERRY. 

